Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 2 May ‘25
Second Week of Easter – Friday
Acts 5:34–42. John 6:1–15
From God or from Man?
From the very day the Sanhedrin sentenced Jesus to death, they have been rubbing their eyes. They stirred up conflict before Pilate to secure the crucifixion. They posted guards at the tomb. They paid off the soldiers to spread a false rumour. And just as they thought all was done and settled — Peter and John stand before them like dust in the eye or smoke in the air, making them blink in irritation.
The miracle performed by the apostles in Solomon’s Portico, in the name of Jesus, is now the talk of the city. The man who was healed stands boldly before the Council. And the apostles, in their bold speeches, rebuke the Sanhedrin openly. The more the authorities try to silence them, the more they continue. The Sanhedrin is forced to reconvene again and again.
Today’s first reading (Acts 5:34–42) recounts one such meeting. The central figure in this narrative is Gamaliel. While many members of the Council are swept away by their emotions, raising their voices in outrage, Gamaliel offers a calm, reasoned response rooted in wisdom and experience:
“I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found opposing God!”
In other words, he says: Let time take its course. In ancient thought, whatever endures over time is seen as true and good — because time is the greatest tester. If someone or something stands the test of time, it reveals a greater strength. That’s why we strive to build monuments that withstand the ages and seek honour that outlives us.
If left alone, most things — like in the law of entropy — will fade. Friendships we neglect will dissolve. Knowledge we don’t use will disappear. Talents we fail to activate will fade away. Exceptions exist, yes, but for the most part, time prevails.
Gamaliel’s words pose a challenge to our own lives. How?
The efforts we undertake by our own will often fade away quickly. But the initiatives we take while holding God’s hand endure.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus multiplies five loaves and feeds five thousand. In this scene, there are two sources at work: what comes from man and what comes from God. Doubt, hesitation, and questioning come from humans. But faith, initiative, and answers flow from God — from Jesus.
Let our lives, our work, our presence and movement draw from God. Let us not rely solely on our own hands but hold fast to the hands of God — and the hands of those who bear God’s likeness.
To grasp God’s hand, we need: great patience, deep peace, and a little wisdom.
Gamaliel held God’s hand. Jesus held the hand of the Father.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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